I inherited this gun from my dad. He got it from a military group of vets he belonged to. He was a decorated Navy Grumman TBF Avenger Radioman/Belly Gunner in the Pacific during WWII.
This group formed in '42 and met at a reunion every 5 years. I think that this gun was made for their 35th reunion, '42-'78. I will check with the Colt MFG. Historian. They will authenticate and tell me who, where and how many were shipped, for a fee.

kjonchef... why didn't you say so initially then???

Because what you have is a priceless heirloom my friend. PRICELESS!

PS what group was your Father in (if I might ask) because that beautiful blueblack snake represents ALL of those Naval Aviators making one hella sacrifice. A Python Avenger... I like it.

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A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government." - George Washington, January 8, 1790, First State of the Union Address